I've got an 06 new shape Dobbie Diesel. Sometimes when I first turn the key to the pre heat position, the immobiliser locks out the ignition, a little padlock symbol lights up and I have to remove the key and start again. Should I take it in to the dealer? Also, I occasionally get an "ABS failure" warning pop up. Is this just typical Italian electrics or something really dodgy?

Sounds like nag a dealer time to me!
Just one question. Have you tried using the other key? Do you have the same problems? If you could pin it down to a faulty key you could save yourself having to take it in!

I've never tried using the spare key, trouble is it's one of those intermittent faults, it only does it about every 2 or 3 weeks, so if I try the spare key it'll probably work fine anyway as it usually works ok on the main key. I think I'll nag the dealer about it

Hello Richdoblo 120 i have new model mjet family 85ps. Ihave had the car for around 9 months 2500 miles. My car also shows abs failure now and again had car back to dealer 4 times. Dealer cant find nothing wrong. Have you noticed that when abs failure comes on does your fan pull in even when engine is cold. Mine can sometimes not always it seems it might be something we have to live with! I have taken video footage when car has actually faulted to show garage because its so intermmitant. Have you by any chance had tow bar fitted? If you take your car back let us know whats been said and done! best of luck hope they can sort for u.

Thanks cphawk, I haven't noticed the fan come on at the same time but the fan is very quiet, I'll have to check that. I haven't had a tow bar fitted either so it can't be that. I'm not sure I'll bother going to the dealer after what you've said, I'll wait until I take it for a service, then mention it, unless it gets worse of course . Thanks for your advice,

Take it to dealer,explain or right down the fault(s) exactly as they happen & if possible leave for a few days or book a courtesy car in advance.There are some very good dealers out their despite what you may read here or anywhere else,if possible ask for the DET to look at the car if it will make you feel any better.

Your car has a fault,it is in warranty so will cost you nothing so get it fixed


(first impression.....bad earth?)

I have the same problem with intermitant ABS failure, mine is the new shape 56 plate dynamic and has been doing it for the last 6 months. I have a friend that has the same model and it has the same problem. I ususally only do short runs, and have been away camping recently and have run a cool box over night which has lowered the battery (it automaticaly switches off when the battery voltages drops so far) and when starting on a morning the engineer would start but the ABS failure come on, but the ABS system still works. So it could be either that the battery voltage is low at start up so causing the ABS computer not the be able to work correctly, or there is a bad connection some where.

I have just recently had the same problem of the engine imobiliser light coming on when strating (but this has only happen once) and the engine was running OK.

Sounds like a common problem.
When my immobiliser warning comes on, it does actually cut the ignition. I have to remove the key and start again. It's only done 3 or 4 times in about 8 months so I'm ignoring it for now.
As for the ABS failure warning, it seems to have stopped doing it. I mentioned it to a mechanic friend and he thought it could be something silly like damp in a connector, maybe I shouldn't be using a pressure washer underneath but I wanted to get road salt off over the winter.
I've got a feeling it might have something to do with not letting the test run it's course before starting the engine. It takes alot longer than the pre-heat. What do you reckon?

I always let all the lights stop flashing before I fire up. No probs yet - 36000 miles - but then, no anti-lock brakes either.

I'd mention it to the dealer, even if they can't do anything, at least that way they can't say it's a 'new' problem if it clunks after the warranty expires.

Had a Service done last wek Oil And Filter change everything Ok.
Stated up this morning drove for about half an hour turning a corner the engine cut out started Ok then got a message on the dislpay to Change the oil?
this has been coming on all Morning usually after I switch off and restart the engine has to go in next Week to have new Master & Slave Clynder fitted so hope to have this checked at the same time..

New cars are too complex, bring back the Fiat 128

RichDoblo120 said:

New cars are too complex, bring back the Fiat 128

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few (if any) old cars would pass emission laws.

T14086 said:

few (if any) old cars would pass emission laws.

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I know new cars are highly fuel efficient but you can't do your own maintenance, especially when it comes to electrical faults. Having said that, this is the first new car I've owned and I wouldn't really want to go back to the old wrecks I used to drive. The engine in my old Peugeot 505 Diesel was agricultural and it was horrible to drive. The Doblo is like a Rolls Royce in comparison. It's more powerful, faster and alot more economical, and I actually enjoy driving it.

Same with most things these days,I used to repair TV's/videos etc but thesedays they are simply throwaway units.
Read through more posts on this site to gain a better understanding of modern automotive systems & things wont seem so daunting